How To Make Your Young Business Seem More Established

Posted on 2 March, 2016

How To Make Your Young Business Seem More Established

When you’re a small business, especially if you’re home-based, it’s hard work to make your business seem more established, especially when there are giants in your niche. First impressions are crucial to business success, and if you don’t nail it first, time you’ll struggle changing your prospects opinions on your business. Although many people do actually prefer small businesses due to their customer focus, providing you are still putting your customers first and providing outstanding customer service there won’t be a problem.

You think your business is ready to compete with the big boys, and you may even think that your business can provide a better service, but how are you going to get people to choose your company over a company incorporated 10 years ago?

Set up as a limited company

Instead of being a sole trader, set up a limited company. As a limited company, you are likely to pay less tax compared to a sole trader, you can sell shares to raise investment plus it looks more professional if you’re looking at growing into a large business. By having yourself registered on C0mpanies House, people can search your company and see who the directors are and previous financials which can build trust, especially if you’re in the B2B space. By registering as a limited company you will receive a Certificate of Incorporation which you will need if you wish to open up a business bank account. This year, there are some changes in the taxes on limited companies, so we suggest talking to an account like Rift Accounting who specialises in small businesses.

PS did you know your personal assets are protected if your limited company goes bankrupt?

Have a killer website

Your website is a vital component to your businesses success nowadays, even more so if your business is online based. If you’re not a competent designer, we recommend hiring a web designer or agency who will be able to advise you on what colours and design are best for your company. If you are stuck with your branding, find an agency that also specialises in branding too. If you are a limited company, make sure to put your company number, and VAT number where possible, in the footer of your website.

Don’t give your company a face

Instead of having a “Meet The Team” page on your website, don’t put a face to your business at all. Avoid using first person in any blog posts or in the copy of the website (noun’s like I) and don’t make anything personal to yourself or your employees. Avoid putting things on social media that could make it obvious you’re only small and refer to yourself as “our CEO” or “our MD”. This will work perfectly for those who have built apps or another business that could easily go global, however others prefer to show themselves as a small team who are dedicated to their clients.

Business email address

Instead of having a Gmail or Outlook email address, register with Google apps and get a business email address. Try using separate email address like sales@, help@ and yourname@. Although you are trying to make yourself look more established, a personal signature will make your customers feel more important than if it were a generic signature.

Tip: Where possible, CC other employees when dealing with a specific query as it shows that there is more than just you in the business.

Get a more sophisticated mailing address

Instead of having your company address at Flat 24, The Lane, Kent, consider getting a professional mailing address for your company. Even if your company address is a house, it’s not hard for your prospects to pop your name into Google Maps and see that it’s a residential area. Consider getting a virtual mailing address or joining a coworking space if you haven’t already. Here at Fruitworks, we offer professional mailing addresses (even without office space) for just £144 per year.

Have a dedicated phone number

Instead of giving out your mobile number or setting up another phone line for your business,  Grasshopper allows you to create a new phone number and receive the calls to your mobile. You can have a free phone or a local number for your business, depending on your business. Grasshopper also allows you to create extensions for different departments. If that doesn’t make your business seem established I don’t know what does! The mobile app also allows you to make calls from your business number straight from your personal phone.

Tip: When you answer the phone, make sure you cut out all background noises like the TV and if possible, pets! 

Get Out And Network

Attend regular networking events and trade shows in your industry. By getting out and speaking to people, you have a chance to show your knowledge and help people out in person. Although this does put a face to your brand, people are more likely to work with somebody they know compared to somebody they’ve never seen before.

Reach out to the press

By getting media coverage for your business, your message can get across to many more people. Send a well-crafted email to bloggers or journalists that are relevant to your business offering insights rather than blatantly asking for coverage. Also, when people search for your company online they will inevitably search for articles about your business to see what others are saying about you.

Don’t forget your online presence

Social Proof is still important if you’re looking to make your business look established. Keep an active presence on Social Media and build up your following. Follow your brand guidelines and use an authoritative voice. Instead of using phrases like “we think” or “we believe that..”. Use your social media profiles to serve your audience and give them exactly what they want.

Use your social media profiles to serve your audience and give them exactly what they want. If a person in your niche asks a question, answer it as detailed as possible (even better if you can answer with a blog!). Make sure you have taken the time to research and where possible add sources and figures.